Abstract: Described are oil and water-resistant compositions and methods of making and using such compositions. The compositions can be used to prepare oil and water-resistant articles of manufacturing. Oil and water-resistant compositions can include a fiber, a polysaccharide, an acid, and water; wherein the composition is water and oil resistant when compressed and heated. Other oil and water-resistant compositions can include a fiber, a blocking agent such as a fatty acid, a metal salt of a fatty acid, or combinations thereof, and water, wherein the composition is water and oil resistant when compressed and heated.

Abstract: The invention relates to uncoated, fiber/starch composite materials manufactured without the use of fluorochemicals or additional binders that offer superior oil and grease resistance properties. Addition of an internal sizing agent in the preparation of the fiber/starch composite materials results in superior hot water and cold water resistance properties. The fiber/starch composite materials may be used for the manufacture of food service containers. The invention also relates to methods of preparation of the fiber/starch composite materials.

Abstract: Biodegradable, agricultural mulches are prepared by coating paper with a cross-linked drying oil or a cross-linked, functionally modified drying oil. These mulches are inexpensive to produce, and are also water-resistant, mechanically stable and highly effective as weed barriers. The reactivities of various drying oils permit the development of a broad spectrum of coating systems and coating properties. In one embodiment of the invention, it is contemplated to complete cross-linking of coated paper in the field through either oxidative or photoinitiated processes.

Abstract: Disposable, thin-walled molded articles, such as cups, plates, fast-food packages, trays, flat sheets and the like are produced by applying a starch-based baking composition onto the lower mold part of a multi-part, preferably two-part mold, and by baking and conditioning the composition to a moisture content of between 6 and 22% by weight. The baking composition, in addition to water and a starch or starch mixtures and/or flour or flour mixtures and/or starch derivatives, contains a fat-free or oil-free release agent and, optionally, other typical additives. Polyvinyl alcohol is added to the baking mixture in quantities of 0.5 to 40% by weight, relative to the starch component. The polyvinyl alcohol has a degree of polymerization of over 1000, preferably over 1600 and in particular over 2000, and the proportion of water is 100 to 360% by weight, relative to the starch component. Polyvinyl alcohol can be added either in dry form or in the form of an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Molded products made from gelatinized starch can be made water-resistant by coating with biodegradable polyesters such as poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and poly(.di-elect cons.-caprolactone) (PCL). Adherence of the two dissimilar materials is achieved through the use of an intervening layer of a resinous material such as shellac or rosin which possesses a solubility parameter (hydrophobicity) intermediate to that of the starch and the polyesters. Coating is achieved by spraying an alcoholic solution of the shellac or rosin onto the starch-based article and subsequently coating with a solution of the polyester in an appropriate solvent. Biodegradable products made by the instant process have utility in the food service industry.